The Lighthouse of Alexandria: One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World The famous Greek lighthouse stood for over 1,500 years, built to guide ships safely into the harbor of Alexandria.
In the 3rd century BC, the ancient Greeks in Alexandria constructed the first lighthouse in history – the Lighthouse of Alexandria.
At that time, the city of Alexandria was located in Egypt but was owned by the Greeks. Furthermore, this city was named after Alexander the Great, who successfully conquered the area.
Thus, for the ancient Greeks, the Lighthouse of Alexandria symbolized the power of Alexander the Great and the Ptolemaic dynasty.
According to historical records, the Lighthouse of Alexandria was constructed during the reign of King Ptolemy I and completed around 283 BC under King Ptolemy II.
The Greek architect Sostratus of Cnidus designed the Lighthouse of Alexandria. The structure stood over 110 meters tall, second only to the Great Pyramid of Giza at the time.
At the top of the Lighthouse of Alexandria was a famous statue of Poseidon from Greek mythology made of bronze, holding a 7-meter-long trident.
It is estimated that the construction of the Lighthouse of Alexandria cost a staggering 800 talents (an ancient currency unit).
The Lighthouse of Alexandria was a fortified structure that not only guided ships safely into the harbor but also housed military forces and a water reservoir in case of siege.
The Lighthouse of Alexandria underwent many repairs due to earthquakes. However, it completely collapsed in 1303 during a severe earthquake.
Later, the Qait Bey Fortress was built on the site where the Lighthouse of Alexandria once stood in 1479.
